05 Jun 2009

New Zealand Leadership Week

“A leader is someone who will get the best out of everybody and listen.”  - Sir Peter Blake

Directors may think leadership is the sole preserve of the Chief Executive, but, by exhibiting leadership behaviour themselves, they can create the incentive to lead.

In appointing a Chief Executive, Directors also have the opportunity – and responsibility – to select a leader whose talents as a manager are complemented by their ability to inspire the executive team.

Whilst we all know that directors are selected by shareholders on the basis of their specific skill set and experience, their ability to role model and motivate strong leadership on the executive team will determine whether the Board of Directors, and the company they lead, is truly successful or not. Even if just a few hours a month, Directors should not underestimate the impact they can have on the Chief Executive.

I sometimes wonder how many of us would be voted back onto a board if the Chief Executive and the management team had the only say in the matter? And this, surely, could be the litmus test for how successful a director has been.

Directors who show enthusiasm for the work of the executive; who listen, and try to understand the challenges; who ask the stimulating, rather than deflating questions; whose remarks are motivating, not disparaging; who show appreciation for what their management team is doing and continually help them focus on the vision; who make an effort to meet and support the staff who achieve the organisation’s goals – these are the real leaders who are, as Sir Peter Blake says, going to “get the best out of everybody”.

Sir Peter Blake is widely acknowledged as one of this country’s most successful leaders, and it was his ability to encourage and motivate a team which set him apart. The Sir Peter Blake Trust aims to inspire Blake-style leadership across New Zealand – from school pupil to company director – so that we may realise our potential as a nation.

On 26th June, the Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards will signal the start of New Zealand Leadership Week 2009. The week provides an opportunity to explore the value and relevance of leadership in shaping this country’s future. It is also a forum for lively debate around the attributes of great leadership – why we need it; how can we become better at developing it; and from whom we can learn. Schools, businesses and organisations around the country participate in a wide range of events, both formal and informal, aimed at developing leadership potential and motivating future leaders.

It is my hope that, by continuing to focus on developing and celebrating strong and ethical leaders, we will be sowing seeds for a thriving and more prosperous New Zealand.

To find out more about New Zealand Leadership Week and how you can become involved visit: www.nzleadershipweek.org

Boardroom - June 2009